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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

World Bird Wednesday LXVII


Birds Ears

I was looking at today's header of the extremely well coiffured Mallard duck and it struck me, where are his ears? I suspect everyone but me already knew the answer to this. However; it didn't take me long to fill in this embarrassing knowledge gap, a birds ears are right where ours are, on the sides of their head. If you were to study portraiture, one rule you would quickly glean is that the correct North/South positioning of the human ear is the corner of the eye to the tip of the nose. Look real hard at the mallard photo and you will detect a small darkened swatch of feathers about the size of his eye at that intersection. I'm thinking the ear canal rests behind those protective feathers. I am now looking for birds ears everywhere, going over old photos trying to detect some slight deviation in the head feathers that give away its location. I have become a bird ear zealot, managing to bend every conversation toward this end: Have you ever wondered where a birds ears are? I am spreading this important information one soul at a time and I expect nearly everyone in Michigan will know the correct answer before the Mayan calender brings our world to an abrupt conclusion later this year. Sadly, some folk seem disappointed with the truth, as if they hoped birds had ears by their knees like crickets do. Don't shoot the messenger I say, it wasn't my call!

An immature Red-tailed hawk I'm guessing.

   Suddenly, a second important question entered my mind. Who, rationally speaking, has the best looking head; fishes, birds, or mammals? I would include insects, those strange invertebrates in this equation, except the unfair advantage of having over 1.2 million species more than our vertebrate families 62,000 (only 5,400 of which are mammals) makes pondering the question awkward. Besides, even I would humbly purpose that my own flesh covered coconut looks better than your average ant head. So, for purposes of discussion lets eliminate the spineless.
   Clearly, one disadvantage we mammals have when comparing our noggins with birds and fishes are those conspicuous ear flaps screwing up the headscape, about as attractive as dried apricots. If your a fan of clean, aerodynamic lines it is a deal breaker. Many times I have seen humans try to hide their ears by sweeping their hair back over them as if an Irish setter were sitting on their head with those furry hind legs pressed to each side. Even earring displays as flashy as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon don't hide the essential truth.

   Many a failed artist has turned to meat cutting as a viable trade because of the difficulty of drawing a respectable ear. Even the incomparable Van Gogh sliced off his own ear to make self portraiture easier, that's my theory. Add an unfortunately formed nose to the mess and you've got real trouble. Sure, cute little tiger faces up the average for team mammal but there's not quite enough of them to make a difference. Bronze medal.
   Okay, so it's between fish and birds for the championship. Who has the best looking head between these two? Easy. Sorry fish, but having external lungs flapping unceasingly on the sides of the head where your ears should be is hardly winsome. Silver.
   So in the end the birds have it, like there was any doubt. Gold medal!


How chillingly close is this swan image to Van Gogh's self portrait? 


    I want to say how appreciative I am to have received such high regards and genuine, heartfelt advice responding to my post last week announcing my retirement from the Detroit Fire Department. My last day is this coming Friday. Those are heavy words for me to carry. My son Josh and I will be riding Engine 23 together that last day on the job. What a rare pride I take away having such a fine young man call me Dad. We have chalked up many long nights together only to meet the next morning, smelling of smoke, for our ritual, a peaceful drive around Belle Isle clicking bird pictures. How I shall miss those blessed conversations!



This is the home of World Bird Wednesday. A place for bird photographers from around the world to gather and share their photographs and experiences as they pursue Natures most beautiful treasurers, the birds.

You don't have to be a Bird Watcher or expert photographer to join in, just enjoy sharing what you bring back from your explorations and adventures into nature!






#1Simply copy the above picture onto your W.B.W. blog entry, it contains a link for your readers to share in the fun. Or, you can copy this link on to your blog page to share WBW. http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

#2Come to The Pine River Review on Tuesday Noon EST North America through Wednesday midnight and submit your blog entry with InLinkz.
#3Check back in during the course of the next day and explore these excellent photoblogs!

The idea of a meme is that you will visit each others blogs and perhaps leave a comment to encourage your compatriots!


Come on it's your turn!





38 comments:

  1. You are a wonderful human being. The planet is lucky to have you. I have no doubt that you have raised the finest of sons.

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  2. That Mute Swan portrait is awesome sir; as is the header.
    I wish you all the best in your retirement. May you have a long and happy one.

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  3. Congratulations on your retirement, although I sense the sadness as well. I know you'll find enjoyable ways to fill that time.

    Love the hawk shots! I wouldn't know exactly what it is, but your guess seems right. Great portrait of the swan, too!

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  4. i never quite know what to expect when i come here (except for stunningly gorgeous bird photographs), and once again, you have amused me and touched my heart, too. the photo of you and your son is wonderful.

    good luck on friday, dear sir. you keep that pride in your heart.

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  5. Oh yeah, and your bird pictures and essay are wonderful as always (and now I care about birds' ears -- something I never even thought about until just this minute!

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  6. Savour the day on Friday. What a wonderful way to end your working career - riding with your son. Enjoy retirement. I retired at the end of last June and it is wonderful. I should of done it sooner. Now I have more time to go hunting for lens friends to photograph.

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  7. Gosh, my first comment seems to have disappeared. The one above was a PS. I wanted to tell you that I was sorry I missed your very important post last week! Big life change for you. I am pretty sure you'll love retirement -- always seems like those who gave their job their all do the best in retirement. And it's not like you're going to have to search for other interests! For your son's sake (and the City's) I hope all that mess gets straightened out soon, but meantime -- congratulations to you on your early retirement -- I just know you'll love it.

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  8. Bird ears? I have never given it any thought...until now. Thanks! On my last day of work, when I walked out of the "institution" for the final time it was a feeling incomprehensible. I walked away sort of in a daze trying to get it in my head "That's it. That is the last time I will punch that clock." I couldn't relate. I went home and just sat down unable to shed the feeling I would be back tomorrow doing the same old thing again. As the week went by it was as if on vacation. It took several weeks to cement itself in my mind, I am truly done working. It will be interesting to read how that last day and those first few weeks will be for you. Do keep us informed. I know you will enjoy this new chapter in your life. Congatulations!

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  9. How nice that you and your son have been able to serve together. I want to thank you for protecting your community. My husband has been a volunteer for 35 years and answered over 600 calls this past year..that included first-aid calls..They have lost a member in that time at a horrible paint store fire. It brought to light how dangerous it can be and what a deep brother and sisterhood it is.. Happy Retirement...Michelle

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  10. I always knew birds had ears, and that they had to be somewhere behin the feathers, just wasn't sure where!

    Take in every wonderful moment friday as you ride with your son. Just remember that now is the time to look back with pride and satisfaction of a job well done and of years well lived and look forward to all the things you are yet to enjoy!

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  11. First of all, the Mallard and Red-tailed Hawk captures are fabulous!
    Second - you had me laughing at your commentary on the the comparative beauty of heads. I love your humor!
    Third - I was touched by the photo of you and your son and the wonderful relationship you have.
    Have a great and safe day Friday and happy retirement Springman!

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  12. a link if you have not seen it already. :)

    http://www.backyardnature.net/birdears.htm

    I love that duck shot. Looks like a painting. :)

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  13. I was just Fine until I saw my son and His Father grinning ear to ear..another beautiful post love.

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  14. That's one thing I have never thought about! Your header shot is beautiful. Good to see your son in your post. Hope you'll enjoy your retirement...gradually!

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  15. AS always another interesting post ... in my experience bird hearing is nearly if not as good as their sight.

    Enjoy your last day on Friday Dave and savour all those memories. It may take a little while to settle into a different regime but I'm sure you'll find an ear or two to bend as you seek out more exceptional wildlife images. Cheers FAB.

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  16. Springman, you'll definitely have me looking now! A provocative subject indeed!
    So, your final week! I wish you all the best on your chosen path. I'm sure that you will enjoy it to the hilt. Imagine getting onto a regular schedule. No more nights!
    You certainly have all my best!
    Cheers

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  17. half of pizza night

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  18. Please accept my warmest regards for Friday..
    I know you will relish your retirement but it will feel strange at first. I still have at least 9 years of work and have to stop myself wishing my life away... so many things I want to do with more time to do them...
    I hope the reality is at least half as good as my dreams.
    Take care and start to write that book i'm sure you have in you.

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  19. loving your header photograph today and want to send you Congratulations on your retirement, it will be a day of mixed emotions for sure but I know you will find many ways to fill the changes in your every day afterwards. A wonderful father-son relationship there; a great gift and partnership I can see. Well done on all your achievements to make it where you are today.

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  20. Brilliant post Springman. I must admit bird ears and their location had never crossed my mind before, but they most certainly have now. I hope you enjoy your retirement.

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  21. Hallo! Interesting post with great photos! I never thought about where the birds ears are, but now you got me looking :)

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  22. First of all congratulation on your wonderful son and great father - son relations!!!!! All the best on your retirement - it will be difficult at the beginning, but I'm sure you'll cope well.
    Love your post as always, especially the swan portraits.
    Best regards
    joo.

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  23. You had me laughing about birds' ears. I too had wondered until I started looking more closely at their heads and sure enough , I begin seeing their ears! Too cool!
    No doubt it will be an emotional day Friday. Take it all in and enjoy! So many other doors to begin opening! Love the pic of you and your son.

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  24. This is my first time visit and contribution to your wonderful blog. After viewing the many beautiful bird captures I feel very amateurish but also much inspired to seek out and capture the beautiful birdlife in my area.
    A lovely photo with very heartwarming words ... I am very pleased to have visited your site.

    "Adelaide and Beyond"

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  25. Friday - retirement. Saturday - 'the first day of the rest of your life' - ENJOY!
    A son who followed in his Dad's footsteps - I'd say there is quite a bit of mutual admiration between father and son. :)
    Excellent images as always and the composition of that last shot is delightful. The ducks cooperated beautifully!

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  26. What a great post, I am now going to start looking for those birds ears. I am sure you are very proud of your son following your career path. I am very thankful for the volunteer firefighters in my community. You are all very brave. Congrats and enjoy your retirement. Love the hawk shots, just awesome!

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  27. Congratulations on your retirement. More time now for photography. :)

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  28. I'll be thinking of you on Friday. I'm a firefighter's daughter; I know how much it means.

    But, now, I have to go hunt some bird ears!

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  29. Congratulations on retiring! That's still a dream for me...maybe when I'm 80...

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  30. Absolutely LOVE your close-ups! They are marvelous. I'm sending so much good luck with your retirement. You will love it. More birding! how exciting. Do stay safe though.
    Thanking you for all the many years on the job. Time now to relax.
    B.
    B.

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  31. Retirement opens up many more doors I believe. :)
    Great pictures of the birds. They do have ears and some have earplugs too like mine.;)

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  32. I have to admit I swore when I saw your header - how do you do it on a week by week basis? Who knows what you will produce now you can go full time! Please post less sharp images for the sake of the rest of us mortals!!!!

    Cheers and thanks for a great post!

    Stewart M - Australia

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  33. Splendid post, and I knew those birds had those ears, for even if they cannot always see me, they must hear me, for they scatter so quickly, even out of view, when I try and sneak up on them. Great images shared! Have a wonderful week, best of good wishes your way and it looks like you can hand the wand over to your son to follow in his proud dad's footsteps. Trust me, retirement comes hard the first weeks, maybe even months and then one day, you settle in to the rest of your life;)

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  34. LOL... entertaining post. Love the swan. Have a great Friday, a day to remember!

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  35. Dave, I've changed my mind: I want you to run for office. Or rather Office with a capital [and a Capitol for that matter]. But only if you take Bill Bryson as your running mate. I'll vote for you. The inaugural speech alone will be worth it.

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  36. Great post!
    I'll start looking for the bird's ears too.
    As always I love all your photos, but this time my favorite is the one of you and your son!
    Congrats and enjoy your retirement.
    Mette

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  37. Springman, congrats once again on your retirement. Now you can have even more time to ponder bird ears. Here's something to get your mind gears whirring...owls have their ears offset so they can locate their prey easier. Go look that one up!

    Seriously, thank you for all your years of service. My grandfather was a Fire Chief in the small town I grew up in and where my Mom still lives. She is the one fighting breast cancer. Thank you for your kind thoughts regarding her. She is an amazing woman.

    I hope your retirement goes well and if you are like other firemen I know, you'll still be hanging around the fire house even after you retire!

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  38. Well fella you certainly set a fine example of how this life should be lived. Enjoy your last rides but more importantly enjoy your years ahead, hard work well and tuly in the bank and fun fun fun to come

    Best regards
    Dave

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